Research Experience Associate, Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities

Application Deadline: 2 June 2024

Department: Research Libraries

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Miriam Gianni

Compensation: $16.00 / hour

Description

Overview

The New York Public Library has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years.

The Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities (https://www.nypl.org/about/locations/schwarzman/research-study-rooms) , located on the second floor of the NYPL’s flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is dedicated to furthering the Library’s mission to to engage, inspire, support, and connect a growing community of scholars worldwide with each other and with the Library’s world-class collections. The Gregorian Center encompasses four admission-by-application research study rooms, and programming spaces. The Center is home to public classes, workshop series, class visits that provide researcher orientation and instruction, as well as events that foster engagement with the Library’s collections and research services.

Reporting to the Manager of the Research Study Rooms, the Research Experience Associate supports the day to day operations of the Center, including staffing the Center’s welcome desk, greeting incoming researchers, office support, and working with staff to assist the public in their use of the Gregorian Center.

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates interested in careers in librarianship who demonstrate a strong work ethic, commitment to inclusivity, possess excellent written and verbal communications skills, and have a friendly and helpful demeanor. These positions serve as ambassadors for the Library, and work with library staff to help ensure that a welcoming and productive research environment is preserved for researchers, fellows and staff working in the Gregorian Center's spaces.

The Research Experience Associate position is scheduled for 19 hours per week, including evenings and Saturdays. Schedules are variable based on library needs and may be subject to change.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of their manager, the Manager of the Research Study Rooms:

• Research Experience Associates staff the Center’s welcome desk, projecting a positive and courteous attitude while providing exceptional public service and assistance to researchers and the general public

• Provides general information and directions to researchers, answers basic questions about library operations and procedures, and make referrals to the appropriate place or person for assistance

• Supports the maintenance of the Gregorian Center’s office: keeps the study room roster up to date, manages files, newsletter templates and edits, and Library fellowship support.

• Works with colleagues to ensure the Gregorian Center maintains an environment conducive to research and public services

• Helps set up public and programming spaces for daily use, events, and programs

• Assists with opening and closing procedures in the Center's spaces

• Assists with collection delivery and returns as needed

• Provides routine communications to researchers affiliated with the Center’s admission by application study rooms and Library fellowship recipients

• Assists with the set-up of events in the Center and staff them

• Navigates customer interactions and escalates issues to the manager

• Performs other related tasks as needed

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

Current enrollment in a graduate degree program at an accredited school

Required Skills

• Excellent public service skills and the ability to work with a diverse patronage

• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow detailed instructions in a fast-paced environment

• Superb interpersonal and communication skills

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team

• Demonstrated reliability and professionalism

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications

Preferred Qualifications

• A demonstrated interest in research and libraries preferred

• Experience with library technologies preferred

• Currently enrolled in an ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies program

More...

Core Values

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues

• Be Resourceful in solving problems

• Be Curious in all aspects of your work

• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Research Library

Physical Duties

• Moderate lifting required (up to 25 lbs)

• Pushing book trucks

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

No

Union/Non Union

Non-Union

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Schedule

Scheduled for 19 hours per week, including evenings and Saturdays. Schedules are variable based on library needs and may be subject to change.

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).